I’ve finally had to opportunity to properly review the Brady Tarot Deck that it’s creator Emi Brady graciously sent me. Now the first edition of this deck came out nearly 4 years ago now, as I was sent the 2nd edition of this deck. The First and Second editions of this deck were both supported and launched on Kickstarter. This deck was so wildly popular, that the first goal on Kickstarter was reached with SIX HOURS. In comparison to other decks I have reviewed, who have also had insanely impressive goal times, this one takes the cake.

The Brady Tarot is based on North American nature-themed imagery, done in hand-colored linocuts. Emi spent a total of 16 months to hand carve, print, and color each card’s imagery. And to be frank, the quality shows. As someone who went to college for fine art myself, knowing the painstaking labor even ONE linocut print takes to make… the fact that they made 78 is truly astounding. Brady also does everything in house. So although this is such a high-quality deck, each one is packaged and shipped by one person alone.

Additionally, a portion of the proceeds is donated to Earthjustice, and another portion is donated to the Indigenous Environmental Network. Two great causes that reflect the thought put into the deck.

The Court Cards are as follows:

• Page=Daughter
• Knight=Son
• Queen=Mother
• King=Father

The Suits are as follows:

• Pentacles=Roots
• Cups=Horns
• Wands=Feathers
• Swords=Arrows

The Card Specs are as follows:

• 78 cards 
• 3″ x 5″
• Rigid Two-Piece Sliding Box, with Matte exterior
• Guide Booklet

My first impressions of this deck!

I really respect the artwork of this deck. As I stated above, as someone who has done linocuts myself, I really respect the effort that has gone into this deck. I appreciate the theme that Emi has run with as well, incorporating very natural interpretations into the suits. Now at the risk of sounding corny, it feels very “of the earth” throughout. From the suit themes to the unique texture of the linocut artwork.

Although we can all agree art is subjective, I really feel Emi’s talent shines through in this deck. Each card is carefully thought out in both symbolism and reinterpretation of the RWS meaning, to be reflected in the natural theme. It’s beautifully put together and just feels like there was so much love put into this project.

Each card has a key word associated with the imagery, making it, in my opinion very beginner friendly despite the fact its a non-traditional deck. Additionally, each border of the suits is color-coded, making it easy to differentiate right away what suit we are looking at. This deck also includes a guide booklet making it a great deck for someone who can’t afford both a deck and a book.

I really enjoy this deck and as someone who quite literally lives in the woods, the Brady Tarot really speaks to me. The sides of each card have a gold dusting, which makes it feel rich, without being over the top, if that makes sense.

I am of course a major slut for a good tarot box. And this one is my IDEAL box. It opens from the top so nothing will accidentally fall out, or get knocked over. It’s a hard shell box, so even if you accidentally stepped on this somehow, it’s not going to damage your cards. The care put into it is so so important. Not just to me, the consumer, but to the care and maintenance of the deck.

My ONE complaint, and it’s not even a complaint, that’s the wrong word. My one personal preference, that isn’t “for me” with this deck is that it can be a bit difficult to shuffle the way I enjoy doing it. Its luscious matte finish is soft and beautiful, but it makes sliding the cards a bit tricky. This however would be entirely elevated if you were someone who shuffled in a non-poker player style haha! So chalk that down to personal preference and not an actual knock on the deck.

Simple Ratings:

Shuffability

Artwork

Finish

Quality of Card Weight

Suitable for Beginners: